ANC, unions ask for postponement of Cosatu CEC

Christine Olivier, second deputy president of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa), said the union and other Cosatu affiliates wanted a postponement because they were “not happy with the agenda”. She said this was because the items on the agenda included the status of the second deputy president of Cosatu, Zingiswa Losi.

“We didn’t want the Losi matter on the agenda. She must just vacate that position because she is no longer a Numsa member and cannot continue to be Cosatu second deputy president,” Olivier said.

Losi resigned from her position as a Numsa shop steward at a motor manufacturing company in Port Elizabeth in September last year, which meant she automatically relinquished her Numsa membership.

ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa was seen entering Cosatu headquarters building in the morning where the CEC meeting was expected to take place.

Olivier said the ANC approached Cosatu on Monday night and asked for a postponement so that the ruling party could foster unity among the union affiliates.

“It seems the affiliates did not respond to the ANC’s request and it is still here to ask for a postponement.”

Numsa’s demand for Cosatu to hold a special national congress is also expected to top the agenda.

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi attended the CEC gathering, his first order of business since the South Gauteng High Court reinstated him to his position.